From this picture, you can see that I have got rid of some tools and equipment and filled in the corresponding holes with Squadron Green Putty. Also noticeable are the photoetch brush guards over the tail and headlights, which were fortunately supplied with the kit.
The next two shots show the work done to the front. Bow machine-gun was added as well as applique armour, which was "welded" on using Milliput. You can probably tell I had some problems with the fit of the transmission cover. I also scraped the things off the front that held the extra tracks in place, as I did not want them. According to pictures, I added that little thingy between the two applique armour plates. I used the liquid plastic cement method to recreate the cast texture lost from the scraping and sanding. I will have to wait unitl after painting to see if the texture or the weld seams worked or not.
The camera focused on my hand here, but I was trying to show how I shortened the length of the hull (it's noticeably too long out of the box). I followed the instructions on Mike Canaday's website, allowing me to maintain the detail on the bottom. You can see the green putty around the area where I cut.
The rear plate was sanded flat and texture added here as well. I used Evergreen plastic sheet to make the guards at the back near the exhausts.
Finally, the best part of all. I made the suspension and tracks partially workable. The DML indi-link tracks, since they have end connectors, can be made workable by simply not gluing them at one end. This should be very handy when I make the diorama, which will be taking place in a street full of rubble. The ejector pin marks on almost every stinkin' link will be covered with mud I have decided.
Nic
